CULVER CITY : Officials Probe Fire Chief’s Use of City Property

Fire Chief Michael Olson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a city investigation into allegations that he allowed the misuse of city property.

Officials met in closed session Monday before and after the City Council meeting to discuss the fate of Olson, 51, who has been chief for nine years and a department employee for 26. Olson was placed on paid administrative leave May 30, although he has been out on a stress-related disability since May 25.

“New things have come up” in the city attorney’s investigation, Mayor Albert Vera said Wednesday, adding that the city is investigating similar allegations against other Fire Department employees.

Vera and other city officials declined to elaborate on the investigation. City officials will probably meet again Monday to continue the discussion on Olson, the mayor said.

“This is unfortunate,” Vera said of the Olson investigation. “I feel bad for Culver City.”

Olson could not be reached for comment.

Fire Department employees remained tight-lipped about the investigation.

“Nobody is talking about it,” said Wayne Bueltel, a Culver City firefighter who has been on the force 20 years. “These are all allegations. (Olson is) innocent until proven guilty.”

Gary Hoover, an assistant fire chief, will serve as the acting chief.